GASTONIA, N.C. — The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for some business owners even forcing them to shut down.
[NC stay-at-home order eased Friday with Phase 1 of reopening]
Our Ken Lemon spoke to Makayla Jewell, a former barista at the Java House Cafe, in downtown Gastonia about the hardships of the virus.
"It was scary, because I didn't know what to do next, especially like with everything going on," Jewell said.
Jewell said she planned to become a manager even during the shutdown, but the shop had no choice but to close.
The owners of the Java House Cafe said they were turned down for both major federal COVID-19 relief funds for small businesses.
Other businesses that recently opened in downtown Gastonia were forced to close shop perhaps not opening again.
The impact is not just hitting mom and pop shops.
The IHOP on Cox Road is closed permanently.
The chain also shut down stores in Hickory and Shelby.
Most businesses are still waiting to open.
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